The ways workers are already using artificial intelligence
How AI is changing the workplace already ranges from the smallest task such as integrating a weekly meeting into a calendar with one click of the mouse, to more large-scale use such as security systems that filter spam and block hackers.
The use of AI largely revolves around saving employees time - particularly around data processing and mundane or routine tasks - so they can dedicate their work day to other, more highly-valued activities and decision-making.
AI also is improving the way workers operate and minimising errors, whether it be automatically correcting spelling and grammar mistakes in reports or emails to calculating complex formulas in spreadsheets.
AI is also stepping in when employees are not available. Chatbots have become commonplace on any website, for example, acting as customer service representatives at all hours of the day and night by answering basic or common questions.
Now, AI is moving beyond being able to complete simple process-based tasks to conduct more creative tasks. Programs such as ChatGPT can create text in any form of any length – be it an email or a report – based on a few small inputs. Image creators such as Craiyon turns text input into an image, such as a logo or a photograph. Audio creators can replicate a person’s voice, such as turning text into speech.
“Many tasks previously thought to be human-centric are increasingly being completed by technology. Creative tasks such as brainstorming new ideas or problem-solving can be undertaken by AI, which analyses data from a plethora of sources to provide suggestions and innovations that employees had not previously considered. However, employees still are needed to decide which innovations that are suggested by AI are applicable or may be successful in their individual circumstances, and to implement them within their organisation. AI is completing tasks, but is not taking the place of people completely,” says Jones.
Are employees embracing AI?
A University of Queensland and KPMG Australia study finds more than a third (37%) of Australians already use AI at work. A further 24% believe their organisation uses AI. Another 40% of Australia would be willing to trust it at work, and 46% would be comfortable with AI having a greater role in their workplace. They cite improved efficiency and effectiveness, cost benefits, and the innovation it enables as key positive ways of how AI is changing the workplace.
While the negatives cited of using AI range from cyber-security risks and system failure to job loss when tasks are automated and the ability to manipulate or use the technology harmfully, almost half (44%) of Australians believe the benefits outweigh those risks.
Younger generations are more likely to embrace it – 41% of Gen Z and Millennials say they already trust and 40% accept AI systems, compared to 37% and 31% respectively of Gen X, and 33% and 22% respectively of Baby Boomers.
“The study shows Australians are more hesitant towards AI than their counterparts in other regions, as globally 55% of workers are comfortable using it at work. However, workers are only receptive to it when it comes to certain tasks. When it comes to replacing hard or boring tasks workers are happy to use AI,” says Jones.
“Much of the fear around artificial intelligence lies in it being misused, such as sourcing information and images that are incorrect and presenting it as truth. When it comes to evaluating their performance, monitoring their work, or human resource management, employees are unwilling to let AI take the reins."
